Building a Community of Practice in a Sustained Culture of Lesson Study: The Case of Saguday, Philippines

Sonia C. Pagbilao^1, , Pauline Anne Therese M. Pfeifer², Sherly C. Cainguitan³, Felimendo M. Felipe³, Madelyn L. Macalling⁴, Cheryl R. Ramiro⁵, Hermenegildo F. Samoy⁶ and Jr, Romiro G. Bautista⁷

¹Public Schools District Supervisor, Department of Education-Schools Division of Quirino, Philippines

²Narra Women’s University, Japan

³Education Program Supervisor, Department of Education-Schools Division of Quirino, Philippines

⁴Schools Division Superintendent, Department of Education-Schools Division of Quirino, Philippines

⁵Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Department of Education-Schools Division of Quirino, Philippines

⁶President, Quirino State University, Philippines

⁷International Relations Officer, Quirino State University, Philippines

Cite this paper:
Sonia C. Pagbilao, Pauline Anne Therese M. Pfeifer, Sherly C. Cainguitan, Felimendo M. Felipe, Madelyn L. Macalling, Cheryl R. Ramiro, Hermenegildo F. Samoy and Jr, Romiro G. Bautista. Building a Community of Practice in a Sustained Culture of Lesson Study: The Case of Saguday, Philippines. American Journal of Educational Research. 2023; 11(12):783-791. doi: 10.12691/education-11-12-1

Abstract

Lesson study, an international good practice in education, is believed to build a community of practice that leverages the activities towards an efficacious teaching and learning. This case study examines the implementation of a professional community of practice centered on lesson study in the district of Saguday. The study aims to enhance and sustain the practice of lesson study through the establishment of a collaborative learning community among key stakeholders. The study analyzed existing lesson study models in the Philippines, documents of chronological events and surveys done related to lesson study, and field observations. The model presented in this case study indicates that (1) the contextualization and localization of the Saguday’s Lesson Study, facilitated by the Virtual Lesson Study platform, empowered teachers and school administrators to adapt the Lesson Study approach flexible in aligning specific lessons, grade levels, and interdisciplinary curriculum goals. (2) Lesson Study served as a platform for the professional development of teachers that effectively addressed the challenges posed by the local effects of the pandemic and in facilitating a seamless transition to the "new normal" teaching methods. (3) Collaboration among stakeholders, including the local government unit providing financial support, schools implementing Lesson Study, and the Department of Education ensuring policy support and logistical continuity, formed a robust triangular support system. The sustainability of the Saguday’s Lesson Study aligns with the "MATATAG Agenda" of the Department of Education, which emphasized the support and improvement of teaching practices in line with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers. Consequently, a Community of Practice, supported by the Lesson Study triangular system, was developed in the Saguday district. This study recommends the continued implementation of Lesson Study to be integrated in the School Improvement Plan of all schools.

Keywords:
community of practice lesson study professional development triangular support system

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